The First Responder Support Package Act

A Practical, Statewide Plan to Support the People Who Protect Us

We rely on police, fire, EMS, and 911 dispatchers every single day. But the systems meant to support them haven’t kept up with the realities of the job. My proposal creates the statewide structure they’ve never had, cuts through bureaucracy, and gives departments the tools they need to keep their teams healthy, trained, and fully staffed.

1. How the First Responder Support Package Works

A. It Builds Statewide Support Systems That Don’t Exist Today

The bill establishes new, statewide programs designed specifically for first responders, including:

• A coordinated First Responder Trauma Network
• Annual wellness check‑ins
• Peer support certification
• Expanded training opportunities
• Staffing support across police, fire, EMS, and 911 dispatch

These are new supports, not reorganizations of existing offices.

B. It Sets Clear, Consistent Standards

The bill defines key terms and expectations so departments across Minnesota operate under the same framework. It clarifies:

• Who qualifies as a first responder
• What trauma‑informed care means
• What peer support training must include
• What counts as eligible use of state support

This prevents confusion and ensures consistency.

C. It Centralizes Administration Under the Department of Public Safety

To avoid fragmentation, the bill empowers the Commissioner of Public Safety to oversee all programs. The Commissioner would:

• Operate the Trauma Network
• Oversee the wellness check‑in system
• Manage grant programs
• Approve training providers
• Ensure statewide access and accountability

Everything stays under one roof. Simple, transparent, and efficient.

D. It will Provide Multi‑Year Stability

Departments shouldn’t have to guess whether support will be there next year. The bill provides multi‑year funding so agencies can plan ahead, strengthen their teams, and build long‑term capacity.

2. How the Grant Programs Work

The bill creates three major grant programs, each designed to be simple, fair, and accessible. Especially for small and rural departments that often lack grant‑writing staff.

A. Trauma Support Grants (Small & Rural Departments)

Who can apply: Police, fire, EMS, and dispatch agencies with smaller staffing levels.

Eligible uses include:

• Counseling and treatment
• Peer support training
• Trauma‑informed leadership development
• Critical incident response services

How it works:

1. Departments submit a short, streamlined application
2. The state reviews and approves
3. Funds go directly to the department
4. Departments provide a brief annual report

This program is intentionally simple; small departments shouldn’t need a grant writer to get help.

B. Emergency Response Staffing Grants

Who can apply:

• Police departments
• Fire departments (career or volunteer)
• EMS agencies
• 911 dispatch centers

Eligible uses include:

• Recruitment support
• Retention incentives
• Overtime relief
• Training reimbursements

How it works:

1. Agencies apply based on staffing needs
2. Priority goes to rural and suburban departments facing shortages
3. Grants are awarded annually
4. Agencies track how the support improved staffing

C. Training Expansion Grants (Schools & Training Centers)

Who can apply:

• Community colleges
• Technical schools
• Regional training centers

Eligible uses include:

• Instructor support
• Equipment and simulation tools
• Tuition assistance
• Rural training partnerships

How it works:

1. Schools apply to expand EMS and fire training capacity
2. The state awards grants based on need and readiness
3. Schools report enrollment growth and training outcomes

This builds a long‑term pipeline of new first responders.

3. A Responsible, No‑Tax‑Increase Approach

This Package is fully funded within the bill itself.

• No new taxes
• No unfunded mandates
• No local tax impact

Departments don’t have to raise money or shift budgets. The state sets aside the funding, and agencies apply directly from that pool. It’s responsible, transparent, and focused on strengthening public safety without adding burdens to taxpayers.